Safety razor



Aug 16 I G' T' RANDOL SAFETY RAZOR 2,715,268

Filed May 15 1952 I United States Patent O SAFETY RAZOR Glenn T. Randal, Mountain Lake Park, Md. Application May 1s, 1952, serial No. 287,859

11 Claims. (Cl. 30-64) The present invention relates generally to an improved safety razor construction for use with an expendable blade of the type having a single cutting edge opposite a reinforced butt edge.

More particularly, the invention is directed to a razor construction which incorporates means for facilitating the insertion of a blade of this type by way of a breech opening; means for stabilizing the blade during use of the razor; and means for thereafter facilitating the removal of the blade by way of the breech opening aforesaid,

The invention is further directed to a razor construction wherein the incorporated means referred to are designed to afford maximum safeguards against personal injury during the blade insertion and removal operations.

As noted in my pending application, Serial Number 276,293, filed on March 13, 1952, now Patent No. 2,682,165, granted lune 29, 1954, considerable attention is being focused by razor manufacturers on the personal injury factor incident to the placement and subsequent removal of blades.

insofar as I am aware, prior to the disclosure in my pending application, the only practical solutions which have been evolved pertained to blade insertion, subsequent blade removal remaining as hazardous as ever. Further, the solutions evolved with reference to blade insertion have required the use of separate loading devices, such as pre-packed blade cartridges, and the like.

The primary object of the present invention is analogous to that set forth in said prior application: the provision of a safety razor adapted to eliminate the risk of personal injury during both blade placement and removal operations without the use of any auxiliary device whatsoever, the means for attaining this objective being incorporated in the razor itself, as will appear.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved razor construction which has many advantages from a manufacturing standpoint, in that it requires fewer parts and can be assembled more easily than the construction disclosed in my said pending application.

To this end the invention provides a frame, formed from a single piece of thin metallic material, and means for mounting the frame on one end of a handle, a blade supporting platform, one end of which is pivotally mounted in said frame and the free end portion of which is normally biased upwardly by means of a leaf spring; an integral extension on the platform for manual engagement to swing the latter downwardly about its pivotal mounting; and complementary means on the frame and on the platform for automatically positioning and securely holding the blade in effective cutting position, and for releasably maintaining said blade in such position during a shaving operation.

In the more comprehensive description of the invention to follow, features and advantages not specically set forth above will be apparent or noted, reference being had also to the accompanying drawing wherein all of ice the views, with one exception, are illustrated on an enlarged scale for clarity of detail.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a top plan view of a safety razor which incorporates the structure comprising the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear elevational View thereof, the handle being broken away;

Figure 3 is a side elevational View of the razor;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Figure l;

Figure 5 is a similar view taken along line 5-5 in Figure l;

Figure 6 is a View similar to Figure 4, illustrating the blade supporting platform in an alternate position;

Figure 7 is a top plan View of said blade supporting platform per se; and

Figure 8 is an actual size plan view of a conventional single cutting-edged blade provided with slots in accordance with the teachings of my invention.

Referring to the drawings:

In Figures l through 6, numeral 10 indicates generally the razor construction comprising the instant invention.

Broadly, the construction includes a frame 12 and means for rigidly securing the frame to one end of a handle 14; a blade supporting platform 16 pivotally mounted at one end in said frame; a reversely curved leaf spring 18 for normally biasing the free end portion of said platform upwardly, means integrally formed on the frame for cooperation with means integrally formed on the platform to releasably retain a blade in effective cutting position; and other elements and parts to be described.

The frame 12 is formed from a blank of relatively thin metallic material, so bent and shaped as to provide substantially triangular end walls 20, a top wall 22 connecting these end walls, and a depending non-circular tubular section 24.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, tubular section 24 is split as at 26 and snugly surrounds the reduced upper end 28 of handle 14, to which said section is rigidly secured by a rivet 3l) as clearly appears.

Frame top wall 22 terminates short of the forward or apex end segments 32 of the side walls, each of the latter having a circular opening 34 therein, and a front marginal flexible portion 36 of said top wall is preferably bent angularly downwardly between the end walls 20.

At the rear, top wall 22 terminates in a depending flange 37 extending between the marginal portions of the end walls 20 for preventing fortuitous displacement of a blade while shaving, the lower edge 38 of said flange forming in conjunction with the marginal portions of the end walls and platform, a rectangular-shaped breech opening for purposes to be explained more fully hereinafter, the lower edge of the flange 37 being also adapted to provide an abutment for limiting the pivotal movement of the platform 16 to close said breech opening when the blade is removed.

With particular reference now to Figure l, a pair of spaced and aligned segments 40 are depressed or extruded from the surrounding body portions of the top wall 22. The segments 40 are of elongated form in plan, and as seen to best advantage in Figure 6, of substantially V-shaped configuration in transverse crosssection. In the interest of brevity, these extruded segments will hereinafter be termed the upper or stationary cam lugs 40.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that the configuration of frame 12 is such as to provide a cavity 42 therein, said cavity terminating rearwardly into the aforesaid breech or rear opening 44 at the rear or base end of said frame through which blades may be inserted and removed as will be described hereinafter.

The blade supporting platform 16, illustrated particularly in Figure 7', includes a mainbody'portion 46, a guard portion 48 at the front, and an inclined extension 50 at the rear. Preferably, the upper surface of said extension is provided with suitable knurling or the like, typified by the serrations shown in the drawing. Adjacent the guard 48, the platform has formed therein a series of openings 52 for cleansing purposes and so on, as is understood.

At each forward corner thereof, platform 16 is provided with an upwardly extending boss S4, undercut as at 56, and provided with a laterally projecting pintle 58.`` These pintles are in alignment, and of a size to enter the openings 34, whereby in the assembled razor, the forward end of said platform is rotatably supported in casing'wall segments 32 for swinging movements in cavity 42.

Raised or extruded from the surrounding body portion of platform 16, kis a pair of segments 60, :spaced and aligned correspondingly to the cam lugs 40. The segments 60, also of elongated form in plan, and of substantially inverted V-shaped configuration in transverse cross-section, will hereinafter be termed the lower or movable cam lugs 60.

As previously noted, the reversely curved leaf spring 18 normally biases the platform 16 upwardly in cavity 42 about its pivotal mounting. This spring includes a freesegment 62 and a fixed segment 64, the latter retained atop the upper end 28 of the handle by means of a screw 66 as illustrated, or otherwise.

The invention is designed for use with blades such as that illustrated in Figure 8, and designated by the numeral 68. It includes a cutting edge 70 opposite a rounded butt edge 72, the latter being the arcuate segment of a reversely bent reinforcement strip conventionally provided on blades of the type under consideration to facilitate Vmanual handling thereof.

According to the present invention, the described conventional blade is preferably formed with a pair of spaced and aligned slots or openings 74, the space obtaining between them corresponding to that obtaining between the pair of lugs 40, yand therefore also to that obtaining between the pair of lugs 60.

The manner in which my invention achieves its objectives should be apparent from the explanation to follow with reference to what will be considered a shaving cycle. Such a cycle includes the steps of tirst mounting a bladey in effective cutting position; thereupon shaving in usual fashion; and finally removing the blade for cleansing and re-use, or for disposal.

At the outset, it will be assumed that the razor is bladeless. At such time, the free end 62 of spring 18 biases the platform 16 upwardly until the extension 50 strikes against the edge 38 of depending flange 37, thus effectively blocking cavity breech entrance 44 against blade insertion.

In effecting the initial step of the cycle, assuming that the razor is held in the left hand, slight downward thumb pressure applied to extension 50 will swing the platform 16 downwardly against the force of spring 18, to the position portrayed in Figure 6. Thereupon a blade 68, with the rounded butt edge thereof grasped for instance between the thumb and forenger of the right hand, may easily be inserted into cavity 42 via now open breech entrance 44, and dropped into position on platform 16 with the apexes of lugs 60 entering the lower confines of slots 74.

With the blade thus inserted, withdrawal of the thumb from extension y50 automatically maneuvers the blade into effective cutting position, and as will be explained, simultaneously effects the stabilization thereof with the butt edge 72V confronting the inner face of the depend-l 4 I ing flange 37, during the second orrshaving step of the cycle.

In other words, immediately following release of thumb pressure on extension 50, spring segment 62 automatically swings platform 16 and the blade thereon upwardly about its pivotal mounting whereby to simultaneously anchor the cutting edge corners of the blade in the undercut recesses 56 of bosses 54; to bring the upper contines of slots 74 into engagement with the lugs 40; to bring the butt edge 72 into Contact with the inner face of the flange 37 to prevent rearward displacement of the Vblade when in cutting position; and to bring the upper surface of blade 68 into contact with the angularlyV depressed flexible segment 36 of the casing 12.

it is noted that the described configuration of lugs and produces a so-termed forward camming action of the blade relative to the platform 16 as said lugs are brought into spaced registering engagement with the slots 74, whereby to compensate for any slight variation which may exist in the disposition of said blade with respect to the undercut notches 56 of bosses 54, while the flange 37 is effective to prevent blade displacement from shaving position should the clamping action of lugs 40, 60 on the butt portion thereof be insufficient to hold the blade under heavy shaving conditions.

lt is also noted, that stabilization of the blade 68 during the following or shaving step of the cycle is assured f by reason of the longitudinal engagement of said flexible segment 36 against the forward body portion of the blade adjacent the cutting edge thereof, and the controlling relation obtaining between the butt edge 72 and the flange 37.

It should therefore be manifest that with the arrangement described, a superlative shave may be had. Any tendency of the blade to shiftendwise or rearwardly, the ilex or rise for example in the course of a shaving operation involving a heavy beard, is obviously obviated. Blade cleansing during a shaving operation is facilitated by the provision of openings 52, as is understood.

The final step of said cycle comprises the removal-of the blade upon completion of the shaving operation. It should be apparent that this step is a simple one. Downward manual pressure exerted against extension 50 positions blade 68 for easy removal via breech opening 44, as Figure 6 also demonstrates. Should the razor simultaneously be tilted rearwardly, blade 68 ordinarily will drop therefrom by gravity.

From the foregoing description augmented by the drawings, it should be evident'that the invention discloses a novel razor construction which is simple inl design, and which is easily manipulable to attain itts objectives without the risk of personal injury.

lt is here noted, that although the depending flange I 37 is preferably included to prevent rearward displacef ment of the blade when in effective cutting position, its inclusion is not necessarily essential except where the clamping coaction of the lugs 4Q, 6i) on the blade is insufficient to stabilize the blade in shaving position. However, normally, the complemental frictional coaction of cam lugs 40 and 60 with the opposed butt surface portions coupled with the blade corner anchorage in bosses 54 and the stabilizing effect of segment 36,

f combine to ordinarily maintain blade 68 in effective cutting position.

It is also noted that the cooperating cam lugs 40 and 60 may be of circular rather than elongated configuration if desired, with correspondingly contoured openings 74` which may fallwithin the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention: 1,\A razor construction including in combination: a

handle; a hollow substantialiy triangular frame affixed to one end of the handle; an elongated breech opening formed in the rear portion o. said frame for the insertion and removal of blades and including a depending frange for preventing rearward displacement of blades when in cutting position; a blade receiving and supporting platform having a pivotal mounting at one end in the forward portion of said frame; resilient means for normally biasing the free end of the platform upwardly to close the breech opening; manually engageabiemeans on the platform for swinging the latter downwardly, whereby a blade is insertable through said breech opening; and complemental means on the frame and on the platform for rst maneuvering an inserted blade into effective cutting position following release of said manually engageable means, and for thereafter releasably maintaining said blade in that position.

2. A razor construction including in combination: handle; a hollow substantially triangular frame affixed to one end of the handle; a depending flange integral with the top wall and spaced from the bottom wall of the frame to define with the side walls thereof a breech opening for the insertion and removal of blades; a blade receiving and supporting platform having a pivotal mounting at one end in the forward portion of said frame; resilient means for normally' biasing the free end of the platform upwardly in the breech opening into engagement with the depending flange aforesaid; manually engageable means on the platform for swinging the latter downwardly to receive a blade insertable through said breech opening; and complemental means on the frame and on the platform for first maneuvering an inserted blade into effective cutting position following release of said manually' engageable means, and for thereafter releasably maintaining said blade in that position.

3. A safety razor construction including a handle, a hollow frame including an abutment rigidly attached to one end of said handle, a blade receiving and supporting platform pivotally mounted at its forward end in said frame and spaced from said abutment when in its lower position to form a breech opening for the insertion of a blade, spring means for normally biasing the platform upwardly about its pivotal mounting into engagement with said abutment, an integral extension on the pla*- form for the application of manual pressure to swing said platform downwardly for the reception of a blade inserted via said breech opening, and complementary means formed on said frame and on said platform for automatically maneuvering an inserted blade into effective cutting position, said means comprising a pair of longitudinally spaced cam lugs on the top wall portion of said frame, and a pair of similarly spaced cam lugs on the body portion of said platform.

4. In a safety razor construction: a hollow frame including a pair of substantially triangular end walls joined by a top and bottom wall; means on the bottom wall for securing the frame to one end of a handle; a breech opening in the rear end of said frame; a blade receiving and supporting platform having its forward end pivotally mounted in the apex segments of said end walls and its rear end swingably disposed between the upper and lower confines of said breech opening; a plurality of longitudinally spaced upper cam lugs formed on the top wall and a plurality of similarly spaced lower cam lugs formed on said platform; a reversely curved pretensioned leaf spring for normally swinging said platform upwardly about its pivotal mounting to bring the platform lugs into contact Cil with the top wall lugs aforesaid; and an extension on the platform projecting rearwardly beyond said breech opening for the application of manual pressure to swing said platform downwardly against the upwardly biasing force of said spring for separating the lugs aforesaid to deposit a blade onto said platform via the breech opening aforesaid.

5. The safety razor construction defined in claim 4 wherein the recited top wall of the frame further includes a exible front marginal segment bent angularly downwardly for engaging a blade deposited on said platform; and wherein said top frame wall also includes a rigid rear depending flange segment extending into said breech opening to form an abutment for limiting the upwardly biased movement of the platform.

6. ln a safety razor construction, the combination of a handle; a blade; a frame including a pair of longitudinally spaced end segments and having depending blade engaging portions, secured to one end of said handle; a blade platform having upstanding blade engaging portions registrable with those of the frame, said platform being pivotally mounted at its forward end in said frame between the end segments thereof; pretensioned spring means for biasing said platform upwardly to releasably clamp the blade between the registering depending and upstanding blade engaging portions aforesaid; an elongated opening in the rear of the frame; and a manuallyactuatable means extending anvularly from the rear edge of said platform through and beyond said opening for lowering the platform in opposition to the force of said spring means, whereby to release the blade for removal via said opening.

7. The safety razor construction set forth in claim 6, and complemental means on the blade registrable with the depending and upstanding blade engaging portions aforesaid to co-operate with the releasable clamping of the blade between them.

8. The safety razor construction set forth in claim 6, plus a guard segment formed subjacently to the blade cutting edge along the lonvitudinal pivotal margin of the platform, and an opening adjacent said guard for expulsion of beard ladened lather therethrough.

9 The safety razor construction set forth in claim 8, plus a depending flange on the frame for controlling rearward displacement of the blade while shaving.

l0. The safety razor construction set forth in claim 9, plus a pair of longitudinally spaced undercut stops forming the ends of the guard segment for impinging an inserted blade against the inner surface of said depending flange, whereby rearward displacement of the blade while shaving is prevented.

11. The safety razor construction set forth in claim 10, plus a flexible angular marginal segment on the frame for engaging the longitudinal upper surface of the blade adjacent the cutting edge thereof, whereby the blade is vertically stabilized in shaving position with respect to said frame.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS 855,560 Cobb June 4, 1907 866,969 Schimkat Sept. 24, 1907 977,314 Kamppe Nov. 29, 1910 1,739,280 Behrman Dec. 10, 1929 1,848,078 Iansson Mar. 1, 1932 

